Just wanted you to know that Elena will NOT be going on Thursday to have her counts checked. She will be going a week from today. Tuesday, May 4th, after school. If her counts are good, then she will start maintenance on Thursday, May 6th.
Elena's big fifth grade field trip in on Monday, May 3rd. She can't miss that! That's the reason for the change.
So, we will all enjoy the blessing of another week with no appointments, no chemo, and no pills to take!
In Him,
The Tates
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Sunday, April 25, 2010
The Week Ahead
Good Evening!
Just thought we'd give you a peek at our week...
Thursday - Liv has a school field trip. Fun, fun!
Thursday after school - Another counts check for Elena.
If her ANC has risen to 750, it's a go to start maintenance.
Sunday - We will be participating in Lauren's Run. It is a 5K/2K event to benefit CURE Childhood Cancer. This will be our first year to participate. We will all be walking in the 2K.
We know it's short notice, but it's not too late for you to join our team and walk or run with us! We have heard it is a really great event and are looking forward to it.
You can visit www.firstgiving.com/teamtate to find out more.
We will let you know on Friday if Elena gets the green light to begin maintenance.
Have a fabulous week!
In Him,
The Tates
"...for the joy of the Lord is (our) strength." Nehemiah 8:10
Just thought we'd give you a peek at our week...
Thursday - Liv has a school field trip. Fun, fun!
Thursday after school - Another counts check for Elena.
If her ANC has risen to 750, it's a go to start maintenance.
Sunday - We will be participating in Lauren's Run. It is a 5K/2K event to benefit CURE Childhood Cancer. This will be our first year to participate. We will all be walking in the 2K.
We know it's short notice, but it's not too late for you to join our team and walk or run with us! We have heard it is a really great event and are looking forward to it.
You can visit www.firstgiving.com/teamtate to find out more.
We will let you know on Friday if Elena gets the green light to begin maintenance.
Have a fabulous week!
In Him,
The Tates
"...for the joy of the Lord is (our) strength." Nehemiah 8:10
Friday, April 23, 2010
More Time for Healing
Good Afternoon!
We found out today that all of Elena's counts were good except for her ANC. :-( It actually went down from 560 to 160 and needs to be above 750 for her to start maintenance. This means that she will get another week to heal and we will try again next Thursday. Her doctor has temporarily stopped her from taking the antibiotic that she is on to help prevent pneumonia. He said that this suppresses the ANC at times and wants to see if this will help raise it to where it needs to be. Please pray for good health during this time as Elena is at a greater risk of infection the lower her counts are.
Please also pray for patience and understanding for us all as we continue to move forward with the plans that God has for our lives. He has not been wrong yet!!
In Him,
The Tates
We found out today that all of Elena's counts were good except for her ANC. :-( It actually went down from 560 to 160 and needs to be above 750 for her to start maintenance. This means that she will get another week to heal and we will try again next Thursday. Her doctor has temporarily stopped her from taking the antibiotic that she is on to help prevent pneumonia. He said that this suppresses the ANC at times and wants to see if this will help raise it to where it needs to be. Please pray for good health during this time as Elena is at a greater risk of infection the lower her counts are.
Please also pray for patience and understanding for us all as we continue to move forward with the plans that God has for our lives. He has not been wrong yet!!
In Him,
The Tates
Monday, April 19, 2010
Good Evening!
What a busy week this has been! We have been enjoying the sunshine and the flowers that we missed during spring break. Hopefully we have missed all of the pollen as well. Elena has been steadily improving, and Olivia's road rash is healing nicely. We've played volleyball with friends and crochet in the backyard. We've gotten back to our routines and have settled in to work and to school. Olivia felt confident that she did well on her CRCT tests last week, and Elena felt good after her first one today. Please continue to pray for Elena as she has four more days of testing to go.
It is hard to believe that it has been almost two weeks since Elena came home from the hospital, and a week since her last count check. She will get her counts checked again on Thursday afternoon, and if they are high enough (insert prayers here), she will officially begin her maintenance phase on Monday. This phase will last for the next year and four months with clinic visits once a month and will hopefully bring us to the end of this chapter in our lives (more prayers needed here). This past year has been very challenging for all of us for many different reasons, and we are praying for restoration and renewal in the weeks and months to come. We pray for a total healing that only God alone can provide and for His great love to carry us as we seek His guidance for our lives.
We look forward to each new day with excitement and anticipation as we humbly wait upon the Lord to reveal to us more of His plan for our lives. It is with great joy that we thank him for all that He has done in ours lives and for all that He has yet to do.
In Him,
The Tates
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30
What a busy week this has been! We have been enjoying the sunshine and the flowers that we missed during spring break. Hopefully we have missed all of the pollen as well. Elena has been steadily improving, and Olivia's road rash is healing nicely. We've played volleyball with friends and crochet in the backyard. We've gotten back to our routines and have settled in to work and to school. Olivia felt confident that she did well on her CRCT tests last week, and Elena felt good after her first one today. Please continue to pray for Elena as she has four more days of testing to go.
It is hard to believe that it has been almost two weeks since Elena came home from the hospital, and a week since her last count check. She will get her counts checked again on Thursday afternoon, and if they are high enough (insert prayers here), she will officially begin her maintenance phase on Monday. This phase will last for the next year and four months with clinic visits once a month and will hopefully bring us to the end of this chapter in our lives (more prayers needed here). This past year has been very challenging for all of us for many different reasons, and we are praying for restoration and renewal in the weeks and months to come. We pray for a total healing that only God alone can provide and for His great love to carry us as we seek His guidance for our lives.
We look forward to each new day with excitement and anticipation as we humbly wait upon the Lord to reveal to us more of His plan for our lives. It is with great joy that we thank him for all that He has done in ours lives and for all that He has yet to do.
In Him,
The Tates
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Praise God!
Elena's counts are on the rise!! Praise God!
Elena had a quick finger poke and check-up today.
Dr. B thought she looked great. She said she feels great too.
Her platelets were 40, her red count 10.2 and her ANC 550. A great improvement over an ANC of 0 and needing seven different blood and platelet transfusions while hospitalized. Please continue to pray that Elena will be ready to begin the maintenance phase of her treatment on April 26th. Her platelets need to rise to 75 and her ANC needs to be at 750 for that to happen.
Liv's wipe-out wounds are healing. She is still a little stiff and tender. Please pray for her healing and for her to be rested and ready to take the CRCT in the morning. It is a really big state test that all kids need to pass. She will be taking the test over the next three days. She's nervous. I am too.
Elena will take the test next week. She will have five days of testing. She is only nervous about the SS part of the test.
Thank you for staying with us. Thank you for praying for all things, big and small.
In Him,
The Tates
"Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say, rejoice!" Philippians 4:4
Elena had a quick finger poke and check-up today.
Dr. B thought she looked great. She said she feels great too.
Her platelets were 40, her red count 10.2 and her ANC 550. A great improvement over an ANC of 0 and needing seven different blood and platelet transfusions while hospitalized. Please continue to pray that Elena will be ready to begin the maintenance phase of her treatment on April 26th. Her platelets need to rise to 75 and her ANC needs to be at 750 for that to happen.
Liv's wipe-out wounds are healing. She is still a little stiff and tender. Please pray for her healing and for her to be rested and ready to take the CRCT in the morning. It is a really big state test that all kids need to pass. She will be taking the test over the next three days. She's nervous. I am too.
Elena will take the test next week. She will have five days of testing. She is only nervous about the SS part of the test.
Thank you for staying with us. Thank you for praying for all things, big and small.
In Him,
The Tates
"Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say, rejoice!" Philippians 4:4
Monday, April 12, 2010
More Spring Break Pics
We all had great first day back to work and school.
Thank you for the prayers! They worked!
Tomorrow, Elena's clinic visit is at 9:30 am. Please pray for rising counts!
Much love,
The Tates
Hope you enjoy these pics as well.
Here we are in the hospital, snoozin' whenever we could.
Super cool chicks in their super cool shades, ready to eat!!
To celebrate being home and well, our waitress let Elena pick out any dessert she wanted!
Playing mini-golf on Friday! It's always so much fun!
Thank you for the prayers! They worked!
Tomorrow, Elena's clinic visit is at 9:30 am. Please pray for rising counts!
Much love,
The Tates
Hope you enjoy these pics as well.
Here we are in the hospital, snoozin' whenever we could.
Super cool chicks in their super cool shades, ready to eat!!
To celebrate being home and well, our waitress let Elena pick out any dessert she wanted!
Playing mini-golf on Friday! It's always so much fun!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Elena Rocks!
One of the Child life Specialists wrote this on Elena's hospital window.
It's true!!
Here it is Sunday night. Everyone is tucked in and sleeping.
Back to work and school tomorrow. What a spring break!!
I'm happy to say we have been able to enjoy the last three days together as a family.
We got home about 5 pm on Thursday. Elena wanted to go out to eat to our favorite Italian restaurant, Ippolitos'. So, we got all dressed up and enjoyed a great night out.
After sleeping in on Friday morning, we enjoyed a late breakfast and went to play putt-putt. We came home and had a picnic in the backyard. After eating, we just laid together on the quilt watching the birds overhead and resting. In the evening, the girls played with their friends on the street and rode their bikes and scooters.
Saturday, after sleeping in, again, we went to buy the vegetable plants for our garden. We also picked out flowers for our containers on the back patio. In the evening, we were treated to a fabulous steak dinner thanks to our neighbors! It was so much fun, being together, talking, relaxing, finally feeling like life was back to normal.
Today, life was definitely back to normal...laundry to wash, meals to make, chores to do, neglected hospital bags to unpack. The girls enjoyed another great day playing outside with friends for hours and hours. They were just about to come in for the evening, when Liv and a friend wiped out on their scooters. Ouch!! Liv has a scrap on each knee, elbow, and foot, her shoulder and back as well. She took quite a tumble! Thank you Lord, a ER visit was not needed. Just a cool bath, some pain medicine, and a lot of TLC!
I'm praying we can all get a good night's sleep and be ready for a full day tomorrow.
Please pray for us as we go back to work and school. We are counting our blessings each day and night. It is truly amazing to have witnessed God heal Elena. He is the only one who could have taken a child so sick, in so much pain, and with so many complications and turned it all around. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
We are thankful for all of your love and support. Keep praying!
Enjoy the next two posts of pictures from Elena's stay in the hospital. We'll post other Spring Break pics later.
In Him,
The Tates
"You have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe." Psalm 61:3
"Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
1 Corinthians 15:57
It's true!!
Here it is Sunday night. Everyone is tucked in and sleeping.
Back to work and school tomorrow. What a spring break!!
I'm happy to say we have been able to enjoy the last three days together as a family.
We got home about 5 pm on Thursday. Elena wanted to go out to eat to our favorite Italian restaurant, Ippolitos'. So, we got all dressed up and enjoyed a great night out.
After sleeping in on Friday morning, we enjoyed a late breakfast and went to play putt-putt. We came home and had a picnic in the backyard. After eating, we just laid together on the quilt watching the birds overhead and resting. In the evening, the girls played with their friends on the street and rode their bikes and scooters.
Saturday, after sleeping in, again, we went to buy the vegetable plants for our garden. We also picked out flowers for our containers on the back patio. In the evening, we were treated to a fabulous steak dinner thanks to our neighbors! It was so much fun, being together, talking, relaxing, finally feeling like life was back to normal.
Today, life was definitely back to normal...laundry to wash, meals to make, chores to do, neglected hospital bags to unpack. The girls enjoyed another great day playing outside with friends for hours and hours. They were just about to come in for the evening, when Liv and a friend wiped out on their scooters. Ouch!! Liv has a scrap on each knee, elbow, and foot, her shoulder and back as well. She took quite a tumble! Thank you Lord, a ER visit was not needed. Just a cool bath, some pain medicine, and a lot of TLC!
I'm praying we can all get a good night's sleep and be ready for a full day tomorrow.
Please pray for us as we go back to work and school. We are counting our blessings each day and night. It is truly amazing to have witnessed God heal Elena. He is the only one who could have taken a child so sick, in so much pain, and with so many complications and turned it all around. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
We are thankful for all of your love and support. Keep praying!
Enjoy the next two posts of pictures from Elena's stay in the hospital. We'll post other Spring Break pics later.
In Him,
The Tates
"You have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe." Psalm 61:3
"Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
1 Corinthians 15:57
Pics Part I
Thursday, April 1st
Exhausted from battling a nosebleed and throwing up blood for over 18 hours.
She's a fighter! She's amazing!
Friday, April 2nd
Shooting hoops outside.
Since Elena's bleeding troubles were under control, we thought we were on the upswing ... little did we know that her liver wasn't working properly, fluid was building up inside her body, and an infection was brewing.
Saturday, April 3rd
We had just returned from having a CT scan and X-rays to figure out what was going on inside her little body.
Easter Sunday
Elena's looking at the birds outside her window.
Day 1 of being stuck in her room, day 2 of not being allowed to eat or drink.
Tuesday, April 6th
Elena's allowed to eat again!! Praise God!
Exhausted from battling a nosebleed and throwing up blood for over 18 hours.
She's a fighter! She's amazing!
Friday, April 2nd
Shooting hoops outside.
Since Elena's bleeding troubles were under control, we thought we were on the upswing ... little did we know that her liver wasn't working properly, fluid was building up inside her body, and an infection was brewing.
Saturday, April 3rd
We had just returned from having a CT scan and X-rays to figure out what was going on inside her little body.
Easter Sunday
Elena's looking at the birds outside her window.
Day 1 of being stuck in her room, day 2 of not being allowed to eat or drink.
Tuesday, April 6th
Elena's allowed to eat again!! Praise God!
Pics Part II
Elena got a haircut while in the hospital.
During this second round of Delayed Intensification, her hair only "thinned considerably" and didn't completely fall out. So, we even things up a bit for her hair to grow out evenly.
WOW!
This shot was taken late Wednesday. Elena and I got to enjoy the fountain and sunset together. She looks beautiful!
Here we are Thursday waiting for Elena's FINAL PEG shots ever!!
She was not thrilled at all!
Thursday, April 8th 3:45 pm
Going home! Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Were we really in the hospital for nine days and eight nights?!
Home Sweet Home
Home in her own bed with her sister - - right where Elena wanted to be.
During this second round of Delayed Intensification, her hair only "thinned considerably" and didn't completely fall out. So, we even things up a bit for her hair to grow out evenly.
WOW!
This shot was taken late Wednesday. Elena and I got to enjoy the fountain and sunset together. She looks beautiful!
Here we are Thursday waiting for Elena's FINAL PEG shots ever!!
She was not thrilled at all!
Thursday, April 8th 3:45 pm
Going home! Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Were we really in the hospital for nine days and eight nights?!
Home Sweet Home
Home in her own bed with her sister - - right where Elena wanted to be.
Friday, April 9, 2010
How Sweet It Is
What a wonderful feeling to wake up to a beautiful new day with such endless possibilities!! We rejoice in the Lord for his gifts, which are indeed new each morning! We give thanks for His presence in our lives and seek to walk with Him daily! We also give thanks for the presence of the body of christ here on earth. We could not possibly imagine trying to walk this walk without the love and support that we have and continue to receive from our brothers and sisters in christ. It is a true blessing upon our family that we humbly accept knowing that we are only worthy because God has made us so.
We enjoyed a wonderful evening just being together yesterday and an even better night sleep in our own beds! We did have to wake Elena up for her 4am antibiotic, but she went right back to sleep until around 9am. She will be taking this medication 4 times a day for the next week, but it is much better than the hourly visits from nurses while in the hospital. Please continue to pray for healing for Elena's body and that her counts continue to rise. We love you and thank God for you daily!
In Him,
The Tates
"If God is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31
We enjoyed a wonderful evening just being together yesterday and an even better night sleep in our own beds! We did have to wake Elena up for her 4am antibiotic, but she went right back to sleep until around 9am. She will be taking this medication 4 times a day for the next week, but it is much better than the hourly visits from nurses while in the hospital. Please continue to pray for healing for Elena's body and that her counts continue to rise. We love you and thank God for you daily!
In Him,
The Tates
"If God is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Going Home!
Good Afternoon!
We are going home today! Hallelujah!!
Elena's potassium levels went up. Yea! Her platelets stayed the same - 11 - so she is receiving platelets as I type. After platelets, she will receive the two types of chemo. After the PEG shots, we have to wait the routine hour and a half to make sure there is no reaction. After that we will be heading home!
We can't wait to all be home together!
Another praise, her last c-diff test came back negative! There will be no reason to test her again, unless she begins to show signs or symptoms of a recurrence.
The plan:
Go home on one antibiotic, which Elena will take for one week.
Go to the clinic on Tuesday at 9:30 for a check-up and to have counts checked.
Have local counts done the following week.
If counts recover sufficiently, begin maintenance on Monday, April 26th. Wow! Praise God! Since Elena has a LONG way to go before she gets to the minimum levels to start maintenance, we know it may not happen then, but it is good to have a target date.
Thank you for the love and prayers!
In Him,
The Tates
"...We rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." Romans 5:2-5
PS Don't be alarmed if there is not an update for a couple of days.
We'll be sleeping!
We are going home today! Hallelujah!!
Elena's potassium levels went up. Yea! Her platelets stayed the same - 11 - so she is receiving platelets as I type. After platelets, she will receive the two types of chemo. After the PEG shots, we have to wait the routine hour and a half to make sure there is no reaction. After that we will be heading home!
We can't wait to all be home together!
Another praise, her last c-diff test came back negative! There will be no reason to test her again, unless she begins to show signs or symptoms of a recurrence.
The plan:
Go home on one antibiotic, which Elena will take for one week.
Go to the clinic on Tuesday at 9:30 for a check-up and to have counts checked.
Have local counts done the following week.
If counts recover sufficiently, begin maintenance on Monday, April 26th. Wow! Praise God! Since Elena has a LONG way to go before she gets to the minimum levels to start maintenance, we know it may not happen then, but it is good to have a target date.
Thank you for the love and prayers!
In Him,
The Tates
"...We rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." Romans 5:2-5
PS Don't be alarmed if there is not an update for a couple of days.
We'll be sleeping!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
What a Great Day!
Good Evening!
It's hard to write an update, when you're not in your room!!!
Yes, you read it correctly. Elena's isolation was lifted today about noon! Praise God! Once Elena got the green light to go, we were gone!
Elena had another good night. Once again, she remained fever free and no oxygen was needed. Morning came and so did the aggravation of being isolated. After we saw our regular round of doctors and nurses, a very irritated girl was transformed into a happy one. First the news of being allowed to order a REAL breakfast, followed by the news of being able to leave the room! Thank you Lord! It is amazing to witness prayer after prayer being answered! The doctors are encouraged by Elena's progress. We are too!
What a difference 48 hours makes!
As of this evening, Elena is down to one antibiotic and is no longer receiving any type of IV medications or IV nutrients. We have played putt-putt outside, made a craft in the kid's area, watched a clown show, bought Olivia a little something from the gift shop, looked at the large aquarium in the lobby, and photographed fish in the koi pond outside. Wow!
Another praise is the news that we may go home tomorrow!! They want to see how Elena's counts are and check her potassium. The last set of labs showed almost all counts on the rise (still well below normal, but going in the right direction). The exception was her platelets. They went down from 16 to 11. Please pray for platelets and potassium levels to make great gains as she sleeps tonight! Labs will be drawn about 1am. We are also fortunate to have another favorite nurse back tonight to care for Elena.
The plan is to see what Elena's counts do tonight and depending on what they are, give her chemo in the morning. One type in her port and the PEG shots in her legs. This is the treatment she was supposed to receive last Wednesday.
Please pray that everything that needs to happen to go home will happen.
Thank you for being with us for the ups and downs of this past week.
Thank you for always praying!
In Him,
The Tates
"Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. The prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise (her) up. …The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."
James 5:13, 15, 16
It's hard to write an update, when you're not in your room!!!
Yes, you read it correctly. Elena's isolation was lifted today about noon! Praise God! Once Elena got the green light to go, we were gone!
Elena had another good night. Once again, she remained fever free and no oxygen was needed. Morning came and so did the aggravation of being isolated. After we saw our regular round of doctors and nurses, a very irritated girl was transformed into a happy one. First the news of being allowed to order a REAL breakfast, followed by the news of being able to leave the room! Thank you Lord! It is amazing to witness prayer after prayer being answered! The doctors are encouraged by Elena's progress. We are too!
What a difference 48 hours makes!
As of this evening, Elena is down to one antibiotic and is no longer receiving any type of IV medications or IV nutrients. We have played putt-putt outside, made a craft in the kid's area, watched a clown show, bought Olivia a little something from the gift shop, looked at the large aquarium in the lobby, and photographed fish in the koi pond outside. Wow!
Another praise is the news that we may go home tomorrow!! They want to see how Elena's counts are and check her potassium. The last set of labs showed almost all counts on the rise (still well below normal, but going in the right direction). The exception was her platelets. They went down from 16 to 11. Please pray for platelets and potassium levels to make great gains as she sleeps tonight! Labs will be drawn about 1am. We are also fortunate to have another favorite nurse back tonight to care for Elena.
The plan is to see what Elena's counts do tonight and depending on what they are, give her chemo in the morning. One type in her port and the PEG shots in her legs. This is the treatment she was supposed to receive last Wednesday.
Please pray that everything that needs to happen to go home will happen.
Thank you for being with us for the ups and downs of this past week.
Thank you for always praying!
In Him,
The Tates
"Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. The prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise (her) up. …The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."
James 5:13, 15, 16
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Just Thinking..
On this very day, six years ago, Olivia was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Two surgeries later, the most recent 22 months ago, she is an amazing child of God. Full of life, laughter, and love.
On this very day, one year ago, Elena was diagnosed with leukemia. Here we sit at CHOA, right next door to where we were last year. Elena has been and continues to be incredible. She is a fighter. She is brave. She loves God and others with all her heart.
Through this time, God has been teaching us to be patient and to trust in Him.
We have experienced the love of the Lord through the actions of others.
We have witnessed countless prayers answered.
We take pleasure in life's everyday moments.
We are blessed to have an amazing group of friends who have taken care of us.
These friends, along with our wonderful families, have been like God here on Earth to us.
Some just sit with us and comfort us without saying a word.
Some continually lift us up with cards and emails.
Some make sure our home stays clean.
Others mow the grass and finish projects around the house for us.
Some watch our girls for us to have even just an hour with each other.
Some care for one precious daughter when we have to care for the other one.
Some provide us with really yummy treats - just because.
Some simply listen.
Some have captured precious moments on film for us.
Some meet needs we didn't even know we had, until they were met.
Some are there for us, no matter the time of day or night.
Some offer their hand to hold when we need it the most.
Some have carried us when we could no longer carry ourselves.
Some remind us to laugh and laugh often.
Some help keep life "normal".
Some helped us with two different fundraisers, where thousands of dollars were raised for CURE and the Aflac Cancer Center.
Others have prayed without ceasing.
The staff at Christy's school have provided us with 100 great meals and many gift cards over the past year.
The incredible medical personnel at both CHOA and the Aflac Cancer Clinic take great care of our girls.
God has truly blessed us through it all!
He has been with us each step of the way and will continue to see us through it all.
He has given us each of you!
Thank you Lord and thank YOU!!
In Him,
The Tates
"A friend loves at all times." Proverbs 17:17
On this very day, one year ago, Elena was diagnosed with leukemia. Here we sit at CHOA, right next door to where we were last year. Elena has been and continues to be incredible. She is a fighter. She is brave. She loves God and others with all her heart.
Through this time, God has been teaching us to be patient and to trust in Him.
We have experienced the love of the Lord through the actions of others.
We have witnessed countless prayers answered.
We take pleasure in life's everyday moments.
We are blessed to have an amazing group of friends who have taken care of us.
These friends, along with our wonderful families, have been like God here on Earth to us.
Some just sit with us and comfort us without saying a word.
Some continually lift us up with cards and emails.
Some make sure our home stays clean.
Others mow the grass and finish projects around the house for us.
Some watch our girls for us to have even just an hour with each other.
Some care for one precious daughter when we have to care for the other one.
Some provide us with really yummy treats - just because.
Some simply listen.
Some have captured precious moments on film for us.
Some meet needs we didn't even know we had, until they were met.
Some are there for us, no matter the time of day or night.
Some offer their hand to hold when we need it the most.
Some have carried us when we could no longer carry ourselves.
Some remind us to laugh and laugh often.
Some help keep life "normal".
Some helped us with two different fundraisers, where thousands of dollars were raised for CURE and the Aflac Cancer Center.
Others have prayed without ceasing.
The staff at Christy's school have provided us with 100 great meals and many gift cards over the past year.
The incredible medical personnel at both CHOA and the Aflac Cancer Clinic take great care of our girls.
God has truly blessed us through it all!
He has been with us each step of the way and will continue to see us through it all.
He has given us each of you!
Thank you Lord and thank YOU!!
In Him,
The Tates
"A friend loves at all times." Proverbs 17:17
Some Photos
Here are a couple of photos from the weekend before Elena was admitted into the hospital. The girls had been invited to the CURE Childhood Cancer office to create a piece of art with a game theme. Five children created different pieces of art work that will be up for auction at a fundraiser to benefit CURE.
Praise The Lord
We awake this morning with joy in our hearts and praises on our lips giving God all of the glory! Praise #1: Elena had a good night sleep without oxygen. Praise #2: she has remained fever free. Praise #3: she woke up to find that Ms. Audrey, one of her favorite nurses, will be taking care of her today! Of course we know that the biggest praise of all is that God is in control and is taking care of everything!
Please continue to pray for Elena's body to heal and for no set backs along the way. Pray that her body is as ready to digest some food as she is to eat it, and pray that her blood counts rebound and start to rise.
In Him,
The Tates
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" Philippians 4:4
Please continue to pray for Elena's body to heal and for no set backs along the way. Pray that her body is as ready to digest some food as she is to eat it, and pray that her blood counts rebound and start to rise.
In Him,
The Tates
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" Philippians 4:4
Monday, April 5, 2010
Monday News
Good Evening!
It has been a very good day here in Room 183.
Today, we were able to see one of the PAs we usually see at the clinic. She was very encouraging and able to answer all of our questions. We are all feeling much better about what has been happening and what lies ahead.
Bottom line: Elena's liver became irritated from a chemo drug she had been taking. It stopped working properly and fluid built up in her body. Elena will not finish taking that particular drug. She will return to chemo treatments when the doctors decide her body is ready.
The plan: Elena stopped taking one antibiotic today and will stop taking another one tomorrow. That leaves her taking two antibiotics. Tomorrow afternoon, Elena will be able to have clear liquids! Yea! You've never seen a child looking so forward to having chicken noodle soup broth and a popsicle! Elena is counting down the hours!
What needs to happen for us to go home? Elena needs to be able to sleep at night without oxygen, her counts need to show they are recovering, her liver needs to start working properly, her body needs to be able to tolerate food and liquids, and she needs to remain fever free.
Please join us in boldly praying that all of these things will happen quickly.
We're encouraged that if all of these things happen in a timely manner, we may be heading home by the end of this week. We also understand that there may be set backs.
Some highlights from the day: watching a bird out of the window as it pulled twigs off of a tree branch, making crafts with two of the CHOA volunteers and a surprise visit from professional golfer, Anthony Kim. Anthony came by the hospital after winning a golf tournament yesterday in sudden death and before going on to Augusta to practice for the Masters. He, along with other professional golfers, is involved with a foundation called Ian's Friends Foundation started by a local family whose son Ian was diagnosed with a brain tumor several years ago. Anthony spent time in the children's activity center helping kids learn to putt on a portable putting green. Elena was bummed that she couldn't leave her room to go putt, but had a great view of the action as her room is right across the hall from the center where she got some great pictures. Anthony heard that Elena was stuck in her room and he came over to visit. He autographed a golf ball for her and told her how brave she was for going through all that she is going through. They chatted for a few minutes about what kind of things Elena likes to do, posed together for a picture, he gave Elena a hug and then he went on to other rooms to visit all of the other kids who were not able to go out. Mr. Kim is a very genuine and caring young man who today made a difference in the lives of several young people, and a couple of not so young ones as well! :-) The world could use a few more people like him!
We appreciate all of the calls, posts and emails. Thank you for expressing your concern and love for all of us! Your prayers and support continue to carry us through this trial.
In Him,
The Tates
"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
Isaiah40:31
It has been a very good day here in Room 183.
Today, we were able to see one of the PAs we usually see at the clinic. She was very encouraging and able to answer all of our questions. We are all feeling much better about what has been happening and what lies ahead.
Bottom line: Elena's liver became irritated from a chemo drug she had been taking. It stopped working properly and fluid built up in her body. Elena will not finish taking that particular drug. She will return to chemo treatments when the doctors decide her body is ready.
The plan: Elena stopped taking one antibiotic today and will stop taking another one tomorrow. That leaves her taking two antibiotics. Tomorrow afternoon, Elena will be able to have clear liquids! Yea! You've never seen a child looking so forward to having chicken noodle soup broth and a popsicle! Elena is counting down the hours!
What needs to happen for us to go home? Elena needs to be able to sleep at night without oxygen, her counts need to show they are recovering, her liver needs to start working properly, her body needs to be able to tolerate food and liquids, and she needs to remain fever free.
Please join us in boldly praying that all of these things will happen quickly.
We're encouraged that if all of these things happen in a timely manner, we may be heading home by the end of this week. We also understand that there may be set backs.
Some highlights from the day: watching a bird out of the window as it pulled twigs off of a tree branch, making crafts with two of the CHOA volunteers and a surprise visit from professional golfer, Anthony Kim. Anthony came by the hospital after winning a golf tournament yesterday in sudden death and before going on to Augusta to practice for the Masters. He, along with other professional golfers, is involved with a foundation called Ian's Friends Foundation started by a local family whose son Ian was diagnosed with a brain tumor several years ago. Anthony spent time in the children's activity center helping kids learn to putt on a portable putting green. Elena was bummed that she couldn't leave her room to go putt, but had a great view of the action as her room is right across the hall from the center where she got some great pictures. Anthony heard that Elena was stuck in her room and he came over to visit. He autographed a golf ball for her and told her how brave she was for going through all that she is going through. They chatted for a few minutes about what kind of things Elena likes to do, posed together for a picture, he gave Elena a hug and then he went on to other rooms to visit all of the other kids who were not able to go out. Mr. Kim is a very genuine and caring young man who today made a difference in the lives of several young people, and a couple of not so young ones as well! :-) The world could use a few more people like him!
We appreciate all of the calls, posts and emails. Thank you for expressing your concern and love for all of us! Your prayers and support continue to carry us through this trial.
In Him,
The Tates
"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
Isaiah40:31
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Happy Easter!
We celebrate this Easter Sunday for the good news that all who believe have received since the day of Jesus' Resurrection so many years ago. We hold steadfast in faith to the promise of everlasting life spoken by Jesus before he ascended into heaven where he sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. We are also celebrating specifically this Easter Sunday for the love and support we have received and for the number of our brothers and sisters in Christ who are actively interceding with our Lord and Savior on our behalf during this trying time. Thank you!!
Today has been an encouraging yet challenging day for Elena. She had a pretty good nights' rest last night given the number of trips to the potty and vitals checks. She did wake up in pain at around 1:40am saying that her right side hurt again. She was given morphine for the pain and was able to rest comfortably most of the morning. At times she was resting a little too comfortably and her pulse-ox rate began to drop. She was put on a low stream of oxygen while she sleeps but holds her own while she is up and active. Please pray for the fluid in Elena's lungs to dissipate and for her breathing to remain strong.
The challenges of the day came about when we found out that Elena tested positive for an intestinal bacteria called Clostridium difficile. She actually tested positive for a toxin of this naturally occurring bacteria that is produced in some people when they take antibiotics or have an infection and is now taking two different antibiotics for its treatment. Because of the contagious nature of this bacteria, Elena has been isolated in her room for the foreseeable future. She is also not able to eat or drink anything by mouth until the infection in her stomach has healed. Try telling a ten year old girl that she has to stay in her room with nothing to eat or drink and see what kind of reaction you get. Elena has actually been handling everything like a trooper! She just wants to be better! That is what we want as well. We ask for prayers that all of the medicine Elena is taking will heal her body completely and that she will feel the comforting hand of God in her life as she waits.
In Him,
The Tates
"Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved..." Mark 16:16
P.S. Good things do come to those who wait. As I am writing this update, Elena's nurse Jen brought her a cup decorated with Easter designs and filled with ice chips! Thanks Ms. Jen!
Today has been an encouraging yet challenging day for Elena. She had a pretty good nights' rest last night given the number of trips to the potty and vitals checks. She did wake up in pain at around 1:40am saying that her right side hurt again. She was given morphine for the pain and was able to rest comfortably most of the morning. At times she was resting a little too comfortably and her pulse-ox rate began to drop. She was put on a low stream of oxygen while she sleeps but holds her own while she is up and active. Please pray for the fluid in Elena's lungs to dissipate and for her breathing to remain strong.
The challenges of the day came about when we found out that Elena tested positive for an intestinal bacteria called Clostridium difficile. She actually tested positive for a toxin of this naturally occurring bacteria that is produced in some people when they take antibiotics or have an infection and is now taking two different antibiotics for its treatment. Because of the contagious nature of this bacteria, Elena has been isolated in her room for the foreseeable future. She is also not able to eat or drink anything by mouth until the infection in her stomach has healed. Try telling a ten year old girl that she has to stay in her room with nothing to eat or drink and see what kind of reaction you get. Elena has actually been handling everything like a trooper! She just wants to be better! That is what we want as well. We ask for prayers that all of the medicine Elena is taking will heal her body completely and that she will feel the comforting hand of God in her life as she waits.
In Him,
The Tates
"Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved..." Mark 16:16
P.S. Good things do come to those who wait. As I am writing this update, Elena's nurse Jen brought her a cup decorated with Easter designs and filled with ice chips! Thanks Ms. Jen!
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Update on Elena
Please continue to pray for Elena.
The CT scan showed colitis (an infection in her colon), ascites (fluid in her abdominal cavity) and fluid at the base of her lungs. The chest x-ray showed signs of pneumonia in the lower left lung. The next 24-48 hours are critical as Elena could become septic very quickly. Her blood counts are still very low and she is continuing to receive blood and platelets. The doctors are going to test a stool sample to determine the specific bacteria. If it is positive for one certain bacteria (not sure of the name), Elena will need to be in isolation because it is highly contagious.
God has carried Elena over the last year and he will continue to carry her through this. Please pray boldly with me that the antibiotics will destroy the bacteria, the signs of pneumonia will disappear, the fluid in her body will leave, and that she will have no further complications.
Pray that any fear and anxiety Mark and Christy have will be replaced by the perfect peace and love of God.
In Mark 5:36 Jesus tells the synagogue ruler who is worried about his daughter “Don’t be afraid, just believe.” Jesus then took that child by the hand and she was healed.
I believe God is already healing Elena.
Thank you so much for praying,
Stacee
For the Tates
PS: Mark and Christy have access to a computer and have their cell phones. Please no visitors at this time.
The CT scan showed colitis (an infection in her colon), ascites (fluid in her abdominal cavity) and fluid at the base of her lungs. The chest x-ray showed signs of pneumonia in the lower left lung. The next 24-48 hours are critical as Elena could become septic very quickly. Her blood counts are still very low and she is continuing to receive blood and platelets. The doctors are going to test a stool sample to determine the specific bacteria. If it is positive for one certain bacteria (not sure of the name), Elena will need to be in isolation because it is highly contagious.
God has carried Elena over the last year and he will continue to carry her through this. Please pray boldly with me that the antibiotics will destroy the bacteria, the signs of pneumonia will disappear, the fluid in her body will leave, and that she will have no further complications.
Pray that any fear and anxiety Mark and Christy have will be replaced by the perfect peace and love of God.
In Mark 5:36 Jesus tells the synagogue ruler who is worried about his daughter “Don’t be afraid, just believe.” Jesus then took that child by the hand and she was healed.
I believe God is already healing Elena.
Thank you so much for praying,
Stacee
For the Tates
PS: Mark and Christy have access to a computer and have their cell phones. Please no visitors at this time.
Not a Good Night
Good Afternoon,
Late last night, Elena said her right side hurt. By 1:30am she was crying and screaming in pain. At 2am, they gave her morphine. She was calm by 2:15 and asleep by 2:45 or 3. She slept pretty much on and off until 9 this morning. She is no longer complaining of pain, just discomfort and nausea.
We also noticed her abdomen is much larger than when we got here. The nurses began measuring it to keep track of its size. We heard from the nurse last night that the radiology report from the ultrasound was "normal".
Today the doctor said she is retaining water and the ultrasound showed "free fluid" in the abdominal cavity. She said it is most likely treatment/chemo related and not alarming.
Her blood counts are continuing to go up and then drop again. But not as significantly as earlier. Apparently all of this falls in the "normal" category as well. Today is she is scheduled to have a CAT scan of her entire stomach region, a chest x-ray (she started coughing last night), one unit of blood and one unit of platelets.
Things are moving much more slowly than we would like. It is frustrating for all of us! The bleeding seems to be under control, yet the platelets keep dropping. She continues to run a fever on and off, yet is receiving antibiotics. Now, the added side pain, distended belly, and swollen face. We really want to know what is going on and figure out what is causing the pain and swelling! We are trusting in God, the ultimate healer and physician and trying to be patient with the earthly doctors.
Elena has been amazing! She knows God is with her. She asked during her terrible pain last night if God knew that all of this was too much for her. She continues to fight (with some encouragement and prayers) and to show enormous patience!!
Please pray for us to be patient and to trust in the Lord completely!
In Him,
The Tates
"Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Lamentations 3:22-23
From a devotion: Worry wastes time. Worry cannot produce good fruit. Worry can consume us like fire. Only the compassion of the Lord will never fail. His faithfulness is monumental, majestic, true and permanently dependable."
Late last night, Elena said her right side hurt. By 1:30am she was crying and screaming in pain. At 2am, they gave her morphine. She was calm by 2:15 and asleep by 2:45 or 3. She slept pretty much on and off until 9 this morning. She is no longer complaining of pain, just discomfort and nausea.
We also noticed her abdomen is much larger than when we got here. The nurses began measuring it to keep track of its size. We heard from the nurse last night that the radiology report from the ultrasound was "normal".
Today the doctor said she is retaining water and the ultrasound showed "free fluid" in the abdominal cavity. She said it is most likely treatment/chemo related and not alarming.
Her blood counts are continuing to go up and then drop again. But not as significantly as earlier. Apparently all of this falls in the "normal" category as well. Today is she is scheduled to have a CAT scan of her entire stomach region, a chest x-ray (she started coughing last night), one unit of blood and one unit of platelets.
Things are moving much more slowly than we would like. It is frustrating for all of us! The bleeding seems to be under control, yet the platelets keep dropping. She continues to run a fever on and off, yet is receiving antibiotics. Now, the added side pain, distended belly, and swollen face. We really want to know what is going on and figure out what is causing the pain and swelling! We are trusting in God, the ultimate healer and physician and trying to be patient with the earthly doctors.
Elena has been amazing! She knows God is with her. She asked during her terrible pain last night if God knew that all of this was too much for her. She continues to fight (with some encouragement and prayers) and to show enormous patience!!
Please pray for us to be patient and to trust in the Lord completely!
In Him,
The Tates
"Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Lamentations 3:22-23
From a devotion: Worry wastes time. Worry cannot produce good fruit. Worry can consume us like fire. Only the compassion of the Lord will never fail. His faithfulness is monumental, majestic, true and permanently dependable."
Friday, April 2, 2010
Happy Good Friday
Good Afternoon from Room #183
Elena had a pretty good night last night with regards to medical issues at the expense of very little rest. She received another unit of blood from 11:00pm to 1:30am and had vitals taken every hour throughout the night. She commented to me at around 3:30 or 4:00am that she thinks they treat you all night so they can get more done and you won't have to stay in the hospital as long. :-) She did throw up a little clotted blood this morning but has not had a nose bleed all day and has felt pretty good otherwise. She just finished an ultrasound of her abdomen and all of the organs therein. The doctors want to make sure that her kidneys are fine and that the blood flow is going in the right direction and not backing up or clotting. We should hear something later today, once the radiologist has had a chance to view the scan. I told Elena after the ultrasound that now I really do know her inside and out. :-)
Please pray for good results from the ultrasound and for Elena to continue to improve. Pray that her fever goes away and that her appetite returns. She is eating something for the first time today at 4:30 this afternoon. She is on constant IV fluids to stay hydrated, but she "just wants to feel better".
We hope that you all have a wonderful Good Friday and we thank you one and all for everything that you do for us.
In Him,
The Tates
PS Somehow this update didn't get out this afternoon...here's a quick review on the evening...we have not heard any results from the ultra sound, Elena got to get outside for a little while this evening, and we enjoyed a fabulous pizza and movie night all together at the hospital. Visiting hours are over at 9pm. As soon as everyone left, Elena put down her bed and was out! She's sleeping as I type.
Please pray for restful, peace filled night.
“Because they love me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue them; I will protect them, for they acknowledge my name. They will call upon me and I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble , I will deliver them and honor them. With long life I will satisfy them and show them my salvation.” Psalm 91:14-16
Elena had a pretty good night last night with regards to medical issues at the expense of very little rest. She received another unit of blood from 11:00pm to 1:30am and had vitals taken every hour throughout the night. She commented to me at around 3:30 or 4:00am that she thinks they treat you all night so they can get more done and you won't have to stay in the hospital as long. :-) She did throw up a little clotted blood this morning but has not had a nose bleed all day and has felt pretty good otherwise. She just finished an ultrasound of her abdomen and all of the organs therein. The doctors want to make sure that her kidneys are fine and that the blood flow is going in the right direction and not backing up or clotting. We should hear something later today, once the radiologist has had a chance to view the scan. I told Elena after the ultrasound that now I really do know her inside and out. :-)
Please pray for good results from the ultrasound and for Elena to continue to improve. Pray that her fever goes away and that her appetite returns. She is eating something for the first time today at 4:30 this afternoon. She is on constant IV fluids to stay hydrated, but she "just wants to feel better".
We hope that you all have a wonderful Good Friday and we thank you one and all for everything that you do for us.
In Him,
The Tates
PS Somehow this update didn't get out this afternoon...here's a quick review on the evening...we have not heard any results from the ultra sound, Elena got to get outside for a little while this evening, and we enjoyed a fabulous pizza and movie night all together at the hospital. Visiting hours are over at 9pm. As soon as everyone left, Elena put down her bed and was out! She's sleeping as I type.
Please pray for restful, peace filled night.
“Because they love me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue them; I will protect them, for they acknowledge my name. They will call upon me and I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble , I will deliver them and honor them. With long life I will satisfy them and show them my salvation.” Psalm 91:14-16
Thursday, April 1, 2010
In Limbo
Elena is resting after a very rough night of unrest. Her red cell counts are good after receiving two units of blood but her platelets were about the same as when we first arrived at the clinic yesterday morning. This is causing us some concern as she had received two units of platelets before these counts were done and will now receive a third. Her nose has continued to bleed and she has also vomited more blood. Pray that we will find out what is causing this and that the doctors can correct the problem.
Please also keep our family in your prayers as we are spread thin, often with our hearts and minds in one place and our bodies in another. Pray for Olivia as she deals with the emotional roller coaster we are all riding and with trying to balance the normalcy of life that this time of year brings with the reality we now find ourselves living in.
Thank you for all of the prayers!! We defnitely feel the hands of Jesus reaching out to us!
Im Him,
The Tates
Please also keep our family in your prayers as we are spread thin, often with our hearts and minds in one place and our bodies in another. Pray for Olivia as she deals with the emotional roller coaster we are all riding and with trying to balance the normalcy of life that this time of year brings with the reality we now find ourselves living in.
Thank you for all of the prayers!! We defnitely feel the hands of Jesus reaching out to us!
Im Him,
The Tates
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